He is the third Black in the Air Force to receive the fourth star, which he said makes the promotion even more special. The late Gen. Chappie James was first followed by Gen. Bernard Randolph. "I feel like I've been standing on their shoulders," he said about the pioneers.
As commander, Gen. Newton is responsible for recruiting, training and educating Air Force personnel. Before his promotion, Gen. Newton was assistant vice chief of staff for the Air Force.
The general, who has had a very distinguished military career, is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in various aircraft. He joined the Air Force in 1966 and in November 1974, he became the first Black pilot to become a member of the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Gen. Newton and his wife, Elouise, have five children.